The Broncos face the Detroit Lions in their preseason opener tonight at Invesco Field, a game that marks the return of tight end Tony Scheffler, who was traded in the offseason after a difficult year in Denver under coach Josh McDaniels.

“It is going to be a lot of fun,” Scheffler said. “I spent four years there, and it is a great organization with great fans. I’m really looking forward to seeing all of the guys again, because I’ve kept in touch with everyone. I’ve even still got a home there, although I’m not going to get a chance to see it this weekend.

“The weirdest thing is going to be remembering to go to the other locker room and sideline.”

Scheffler scoffed at the notion it was easier to return to his old stomping grounds in the preseason, where there’s less pressure.

“I don’t think so, because we’re trying to build something here, so we have to go out and try to win every game,” he said.

The Broncos don’t really have any pass-catching tight ends left on their roster, although with their makeshift offensive line, they’ll likely employ plenty of maximum-protection, two-tight end sets this season where they’re used to help block pass-rushers and not go out for many passes.

The Broncos are breaking in rookies J.D. Walton at center and Zane Beadles at guard along with D’Anthony Batiste, who is filling in at left tackle until Ryan Clady returns from a torn knee ligament he suffered while playing basketball in the offseason.

Tight ends Richard Quinn and Marquez Branson have been among the two dozen players who have been in and out of practice this summer because of injuries, leaving Daniel Graham and rookie Riar Geer, both of whom went to CU, to get more work.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Tyreek Hill had touchdowns receiving and on a punt return, Kansas City’s defense made life miserable for Oakland quarterback Derek Carr, and the Chiefs beat the Raiders 21-13 on a frigid Thursday night to take control of the AFC West. Charcandrick West also had a touchdown run for the Chiefs (10-3). They moved into a first-place...